Page 129 of Champagne Nights

We both got up from our seats and walked down the street back to our cars. As I unlocked my car door, Ben opened it for me.

“Thank you.” I grinned.

“You’re welcome. Thanks for having coffee with me tonight.”

“You’re welcome. It was nice.”

“It was. Be careful driving home. I’ll see you around sometime.”

“You too. Thanks again, Ben.”

“Bye, Paisley.”

I climbed into my car, and he shut the door. As I pulled away, I looked in the rear-view mirror, and he gave a small wave. I smiled all the way home.

Chapter Fourteen

Paisley

After putting out my cigarette, I went back inside the house and pet Romeo as he finished his breakfast. I didn’t sleep at all last night because my mind was racing with the conversations Ben and I had. He was a really nice guy, not to mention he was hot. I felt guilty for having these thoughts about him in my head. I poured another cup of coffee and sat down at my desk. I pulled out the pale pink stationery and pen and wrote my weekly letter.

My dearest husband,

Crazy week, yet again. Kenny said the paper might be getting sued because I answered a question that apparently led to the couple breaking up. They have no ground to stand on, so I’m not worried. You’ll never believe this, but Piper is getting married, and Charlotte’s having a baby. I’m finally going to be an aunt. I’m happy and sad at the same time. You know I’m happy for my sisters but sad because you’re not here to celebrate the news with me. Other than that, nothing else is really going on. I miss you so much that it hurts every single day. I’m trying. I swear I am, but I don’t know how to move on.I think it’s because I don’t want to move on. You were my life, and we had so many plans. I can’t forget that. Until next week.

Love forever,

Paisley

A tear fell from my eye as I folded the paper and put it in the envelope. I slipped it into the drawer and opened my laptop to start work. The first question was from a guy. I didn’t get too many guys asking questions.

Dear Paisley,

I like this girl, but she has a boyfriend. She and I work together, and she told me the other day that she would like to go out on a date with me. When I asked her about her boyfriend, she said they spend more time breaking up than staying together. I would love to go out with her, but I’m nervous because I don’t want to get hurt. I don’t know what she wants from me, and I don’t know if it’s such a good idea to ask her out since she has a boyfriend. Please help.

Sincerely,

Feeling Conflicted

Dear Feeling Conflicted,

I understand where you’re coming from, and it was wrong of her to tell you what she did. You need to have a talk with her and tell her that as much as you would like to take her out, she does indeed have a boyfriend, and it’s not a good idea. You also need to take a closer look at this girl. If she has a boyfriend already and wants to go out with you, what does that say about her character? If she and her boyfriend were broken up, that’s different. But I wouldn’t suggest it as long as they’re still together.

As I was about to answer another question, a text message from Keaton came through.

“Open your door. I brought us breakfast.”

I rolled my eyes and sighed because I knew damn well why he was standing at my door at eight o’clock in the morning.

“Really, Keaton? I know why you’re here.”

“You know nothing.” He smiled as he walked by and straight to the table. “I want to have breakfast with my sister. Is that too much to ask?”

I followed behind and took out two plates from the cabinet.

“You never answered my text last night,” he said as he opened the brown bag and took out two white Styrofoam containers.

“I was busy.”

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